Manchester Rangers are pleased to announce that the Rugby League European Federation (RLEF) has awarded Observer status to Polska Rugby XIII.

Rangers pair Ward and Petrykowski amongst the 2016 international side.

Polska Rugby XIII are the governing body for Rugby League in Poland, the association was formed in 2015 but rugby league has been played in Poland since 2011. Lodz is the birthplace of the sport in Poland, the country’s third largest city and is often referred to as ‘Poland’s Manchester’.

Manchester Rangers established a relationship with Polska XIII back in September 2015. When community coach Anthony Petrykowski went over as a representative of the club after he became interested in the development in Poland. Since then he and his fellow Manchester Ranger Ricky Ward have played for Poland in 2016.

The club entered into a partnership with Polska XIII in March 2016.

Anthony has always been interested in his family background, whose Grandfather born in Steklin in Poland settled in England after serving with the Polish Army during the Second World War.

When he made contact with founder Lukasz Lucka to discuss his request for a playing jersey, Petrykowski learned Poland only had one club team, Lodz Magpies.

Since the creation of Lodz Magpies, five more clubs have followed; Tomaszów Wild Bears, Sparta Brzeziny, Skierniewice Razorbacks, Stryków Bulls, and Wataha (‘the Wolfpack’) Piotrków Trybunalski. Polska Rugby XIII currently has a federation application lodged with the local authorities which will aid further recognition.